Top Tips for maintaining a healthy pool

In warmer climates like Australia’s, there is no argument that a swimming pool is a valuable addition to any property. Very few people would argue further that, unless a pool is in first class condition, it very quickly becomes a millstone around the neck.

Keeping a pool healthy and sparkling is something every homeowner can do. As long as you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s really not that difficult. In normal circumstances there are a few basic tasks that you need to attend to on a regular basis and one or two more that are needed on occasions such as after a storm or high winds or the like.

At Outback Pools, one of the leading concrete pool companies in Penrith, we pride ourselves on training all our pool customers to keep their pools in tip top shape. Here are a couple of the top tips:

1. Skimming
 
Starting with the easiest of the tasks; the skimmer is a rectangular recess in the wall of the pool. Larger pools may have two or more skimmers. The skimmer recess is positioned so that the opening extends several centimetres above and below the normal waterline.

The filter pump draws water from the pool through the skimmer and recirculates it. Any floating debris is eventually sucked into the skimmer where it is trapped in a basket filter.

This filter should be emptied weekly.
 
2. Scrubbing

Fine debris and dust particles tend to stick to the pool walls at the waterline. This builds up and after a while is clearly visible as a fuzzy line of dull discolouration. There is only one way to remove this; vigorous scrubbing. In extreme cases it may be necessary to use a detergent to remove stubborn spots. This should be used very sparingly so as not to upset the pool’s chemical balance.

Scrub weekly.

3. Sweep
 
Next, any debris that has sunk to the floor should be swept up and removed with a net. Large leaves and twigs should not be left for the vacuum to pick up as they may lead to damage in the filtration system.

This is another weekly task.

4. Vacuum
 
The last step of the cleaning regimen is vacuuming. Even with an automatic vacuum in the pool, it may occasionally be necessary to manually vacuum hard to reach places or smaller debris that stayed behind after sweeping.

Vacuuming is also recommended as a weekly routine to prevent debris rotting and releasing bacteria into the water. It also removes any algae that has settled to the floor.

5. Clean the filter
 
In normal circumstances the filter should be backwashed periodically. With frequent use, backwash weekly. Otherwise, once a fortnight or even once a month may suffice.

For sand filters, the sand may need to be replaced every few months but this should rarely be more than once per season.
 
6. Adjust chemicals
 
Once the pool and filter are all clean, the chemical should be checked and topped up where necessary.

Test kits are available that are very simple to use. Testing and dosing take no more than a few minutes. Top-up test strips and chemicals are readily available at pool supply shops.

This should also be done weekly.

Following this protocol should, normally, make for a sparkling, clear and trouble-free pool. In case you run into a problem that you can’t get under control, contact the team at Outback Pools, the foremost Penrith pool builders.